Buhari Felicitates With Former President Obasanjo At 84

As Four Million Nigerians Suffer From Diabetes Linked To Excess Sugar

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 84th birthday. In a statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari, yesterday, wished the former President, who served the country with loyalty and huge dedication, continued good health and happiness. Buhari said the country would continue to look up to the former President for wisdom and statesmanship. As family, Nigerians and friends around the world celebrate the former president, Buhari prayed God will sustain him with greater wisdom and strength to continue his good works for the countr y.

ACOALITION of non- governmental organisations has called on the Federal Government to tackle obesity as an emergency health issue by introducing 20 percent excise duty on sugar- sweetened beverages ( SSBS), commonly known as soft drinks being sold in the country. About four million Nigerians suffer from diabetes linked to excess sugar consumption and the country ranks the fourth highest soft drink consuming country globally, with over 40 million litres sold yearly.

In a statement jointly issued yesterday to mark the 2021 World Obesity Day in Abuja, the group while advising government to use the tax to fund the prevention and treatment of NCDS in Nigeria, urged them to prevent sugar- sweetened beverage producers from advertising their products to children and ensure a mandatory warning label on sugarsweetened beverages to make sure consumers know the product’s sugar levels and health risks.